Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 14 September 2022
243. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the additional steps that he now proposes to take in order to help create the circumstances where Ireland’s recognition of the state of Palestine would progress efforts to reach a solution in the Middle East peace process and protect the integrity of Palestinian territory; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44562/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government states that the Government will “honour our commitment to recognise the State of Palestine as part of a lasting settlement of the conflict, or in advance of that, when we believe doing so will progress efforts to reach a two-State solution or protect the integrity of Palestinian territory”.
Ireland plays a leadership role at both EU and UN level in taking a consistent, clear, and firm line in relation to the situation in the occupied Palestinian territory. Ireland engages regularly on these issues in the context of the EU, including through my attendance at the EU Foreign Affairs Council, and regular bilateral contacts with my EU counterparts. The Middle East Peace Process is also a key priority for Ireland during our current tenure on the UN Security Council, and Ireland engages actively in monthly Security Council meetings on the Middle East, including the Palestinian question. In the coming days I will be travelling to New York to attend the United Nations High General Assembly High Level Week, where the Middle East Peace Process will be a focus of my discussions with a number of key stakeholders.
Regarding the situation on the ground, I have strongly conveyed our concerns on a number of issues when engaging with the Israeli Government, including in relation to illegal settlement expansion in the occupied Palestinian territory, and will continue to do so. Ireland’s Embassy in Tel Aviv also expresses our concerns directly in its regular contacts with the Israeli authorities.
The Government remains committed to a two-State solution, and will continue to work with partners to revive a political process in line with international law, which ensures equal rights and is acceptable to both parties.
